US20090325768A1 - Multipurpose exercise device - Google Patents
Multipurpose exercise device Download PDFInfo
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- US20090325768A1 US20090325768A1 US12/459,322 US45932209A US2009325768A1 US 20090325768 A1 US20090325768 A1 US 20090325768A1 US 45932209 A US45932209 A US 45932209A US 2009325768 A1 US2009325768 A1 US 2009325768A1
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- exercise device
- multipurpose exercise
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B26/00—Exercising apparatus not covered by groups A63B1/00 - A63B25/00
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/0004—Exercising devices moving as a whole during exercise
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/0601—Special physical structures of used masses
- A63B21/0603—Fluid-like particles, e.g. gun shot or sand
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4001—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor
- A63B21/4011—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor to the lower limbs
- A63B21/4015—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor to the lower limbs to the foot
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B2023/003—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body by torsion of the body part around its longitudinal axis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/00047—Exercising devices not moving during use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/0608—Eccentric weights put into orbital motion by nutating movement of the user
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
- A63B23/0205—Abdomen
- A63B23/0211—Abdomen moving torso with immobilized lower limbs
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
- A63B23/0205—Abdomen
- A63B23/0216—Abdomen moving lower limbs with immobilized torso
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
- A63B23/0233—Muscles of the back, e.g. by an extension of the body against a resistance, reverse crunch
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/04—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs
- A63B23/0482—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs primarily by articulating the hip joints
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates in general to a multipurpose exercise device, and more particularly, to a multipurpose exercise device that can be used for an efficient and effective abdominal muscle workout.
- a variety of exercises employing rotational movement of the torso are known for strengthening the oblique abdominal muscles.
- One of the most common and simplest exercises is the torso or waist twist. This exercise is performed upright with feet planted firmly on the ground, while the exerciser alternately contracts and relaxes the oblique muscles to twist the upper torso rotationally clockwise and counterclockwise.
- the exerciser may add mass to his/her upper torso, for example, by holding a weightlifting bar on his/her shoulders with arms outstretched along the bar, or by holding an exercise ball with arms outstretched.
- the addition of mass has the effect of increasing the rotational inertia of the exerciser, requiring more work to both start and stop the rotation.
- exercise machines offering a continuous resistance have been used.
- the exerciser may use a standard cable cross-over machine to provide weighted resistance throughout the motion by holding onto the cables.
- other exercise machines exist where the exerciser holds his/her torso stationary and is forced to use the oblique muscles to rotate the lower body, for example, on a rotatable chair or surface connected to a weight or other resistance.
- Such exercise machines often employ a number of complicated working parts requiring costly materials and that furthermore are prone to failure, thus necessitating routine maintenance.
- Additional drawbacks include the non-portability of many exercise machines, the large amount of floor space required for their operation, the sometimes unattractive appearance of their multiple linked components, and the limited functionality of some of these devices for working only a few isolated abdominal muscles.
- a multipurpose exercise device of portable construction attachable to the feet of a user, is geometrically optimized with arcuate and planar surfaces to allow a user to effectively exercise the oblique abdominal muscle groups while also allowing an efficient transition into a multitude of abdominal exercises utilizing the same device.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a multipurpose exercise device.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the other side of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 shows a user in the bridge stance exercising the oblique abdominal muscles.
- FIG. 5 shows a user performing sit-ups.
- FIG. 6 shows a user performing abdominal leg raises.
- the multipurpose exercise device of the present disclosure is of a low-cost, simple, and portable construction having an aesthetically pleasing design, and is geometrically optimized to allow a safe and effective workout of all of the major abdominal muscle groups when attached to the feet of a user. Furthermore, the combination of arcuate and flat surfaces on the device enables a user to efficiently transition from an oblique abdominal exercise to a core abdominal exercise with little or no hassle, and without the need for changing from one device to another.
- FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views of embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiments described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2
- Device 10 has an arcuate surface 12 extending from end region 13 to end region 15 , and having a width (labeled in FIG. 3 ), enabling device 10 to sit stably along the arcuate surface 12 when set upon a ground surface.
- the width of the arcuate surface 12 can be in the range of about 8 to 24 inches, but is preferably in the range of about 10 to 16 inches. This width may remain substantially the same along the arcuate surface 12 from end region 13 to end region 15 , or, as shown in FIGS.
- Arcuate surface 12 may comprise rubber, treads, or any other suitable materials or structures for increasing the frictional properties of arcuate surface 12 such that it can adequately grip the ground and prevent sliding when performing the exercise described with reference to FIG. 4 .
- Surface 14 and surface 16 extend radially from the arcuate surface 12 and may converge at region 18 to define a body therein, or may not converge but rather meet with another surface (not shown), for example.
- the length of the body (labeled in FIG. 1 ), measured along region 18 , may be in the range of about 16 to 36 inches, but is preferably in the range of about 26 to 32 inches.
- the body may either comprise a hollow internal space, or may be of a substantially solid construction throughout.
- Device 10 may comprise molded plastic, wood, metal, or any material durable enough to retain the integrity of the device 10 under normal conditions for its use. Although surfaces 12 , 14 and 16 are shown as being substantially planar, it may be appreciated that one or more of these surfaces could comprise a latticework structure or frame-like supporting members to generally define the overall geometries of device 10 .
- FIG. 1 further shows an embodiment of the present disclosure for retaining the feet of a user in connection with device 10 .
- Foot retaining structures 20 each comprise a recess 22 for receiving the sole of a foot, lip 24 for securing the toe of a foot opposite heel end 28 , and can include straps 26 for providing extra support for retaining the top of a foot.
- the recesses 22 should be sized such that a reasonable range of foot sizes may be securely retained by foot retaining structures 20 . For example, shoe sizes around 5-13 for men and around 5-12 for women could be retained by structures 20 .
- Straps 26 may comprise, for example, buckles, button snaps, Velcro, laces that can be tied together by the user, or any other known methods for securing the top of a foot.
- the heel end 28 may either be recessed relative to surface 14 , or may gradually merge with surface 14 to allow easy sliding of a foot down into recesses 22 .
- foot retaining structures could alternatively lack recesses 22 , but rather comprise straps 26 and lip 24 , wherein the sole of a foot would rest on surface 14 and lip 24 would rise above the plane of surface 14 to accommodate insertion of the toe end of a foot.
- any boot, shoe or foot retaining structures commonly used on skies, boards, or other sporting equipment could be used to retain a user's feet on device 10 .
- FIG. 2 further shows an embodiment of the present disclosure for retaining weight in connection with device 10 .
- Weight retaining structures 30 A, 30 B, and 30 C each comprise an opening 32 and pocket 34 , containing a weighted material 36 . Opening 32 may be sealed off with a plug, cap or other mechanism (not shown).
- Weighted material 36 may comprise, for example, water or sand, wherein the weight added to a pocket 34 will be a function of the level 38 of water or sand added to the pocket. In this way, a user can control the amount of weight retained by each weight retaining structure 30 A, 30 B, and 30 C to increase or decrease the difficulty of the exercise using device 10 .
- Weighted material may also comprise, for example, a weight core made of metal that can be slid through an opening, such as opening 32 , and secured in place into an appropriately sized recess or other receiving structure built on or in the device 10 .
- weights such as dumbbells or weightlifting plates could be attached to surface 16 or recesses formed in surface 16 , for example, via straps, hooks, snaps, or other fastening structures.
- the inertia that must be overcome by the user to perform the exercise described with reference to FIG. 4 may also be controlled by providing multiple weight retaining structures 30 A, 30 B, and 30 C distributed throughout the device 10 , while still allowing adjustment for other abdominal exercises to be performed. For example, adding weight with both or either of the structures 30 A and 30 C will increase the amount of work required to perform the exercise described with reference to FIG. 4 , whereas taking away this weight and adding weight with only structure 30 B will decrease the difficulty while still increasing the amount of work required to perform the leg-raise exercise described with reference to FIG. 6 .
- any number of combinations of adding or subtracting weight among the weight retaining structures 30 A, 30 B, and 30 C are possible for controlling the degree of difficulty of each exercise using device 10 .
- any number of weight retaining structures may be provided in device 10 as needed.
- device 10 may be manufactured having a specified weight and weight distribution customized for a particular application, with or without the weight retaining structures 30 A, 30 B, and 30 C.
- FIG. 4 shows a user in the bridge stance exercising the oblique abdominal muscles using an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- a bridge stance is performed by positioning the body generally parallel to the ground and supporting the weight of the body on the forearms and tips of the toes. By holding this static posture, the abdominal muscles as well as other muscles of the body are worked isometrically. However, when the user assumes a bridge stance with feet attached to device 10 , the user can then force rotation of the lower body with the oblique abdominal muscles through a dynamic range of motion between location 40 and location 42 of device 10 , such motion being guided and stabilized by the arcuate surface 12 of the device 10 in contact with the ground.
- the abdominal muscles will be worked both isometrically and isotonically in a safe and challenging manner.
- the user may practically eliminate the issue of cheating via momentum. This can be done by simply slowing the rotational movement until reaching either location 40 or 42 , at which point the user may temporarily hold the position at this location before slowly rotating back again. It may also be appreciated that the user can choose to support their weight with their hands by assuming a push-up position, or any other stance allowing the free rotation of the lower body with device 10 .
- FIG. 5 shows a user performing sit-ups using an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the user may simply roll over with feet still attached. In this position, surface 16 lies flush with the ground to stabilize the position of the feet and legs of the user, wherein the weight of the device 10 functions as a counterweight to prevent the user's feet from lifting off the ground while performing the exercise. It may be appreciated that crunches or other abdominal exercises may be performed using device 10 as a counterweight and stabilizer.
- FIG. 6 shows a user performing leg raises using an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the user may simply transition from doing the sit-up exercise of FIG. 5 , for example, to weighted leg raises. This can be performed by laying flat on the ground and raising the legs upward with knees bent or legs straight and feet attached to device 10 .
- device 10 enables a series of movements to be performed that exercise the abdominal muscle group in a safe, effective, and efficient manner made possible by the optimized geometry of the device and other characteristics described in the present disclosure.
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Abstract
A multipurpose exercise device has a portable construction, and is geometrically optimized with arcuate and planar surfaces to allow a safe and effective workout of the abdominal muscles when attached to the feet of a user. Furthermore, the device enables a user to efficiently transition from an oblique abdominal exercise to a core abdominal exercise in a highly efficient, hassle-free manner.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/133,524 filed on Jun. 30, 2008, for “MULTIPURPOSE EXERCISE DEVICE” by Chad D. Wessels and Jerrod L. Iunghuhn, which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure relates in general to a multipurpose exercise device, and more particularly, to a multipurpose exercise device that can be used for an efficient and effective abdominal muscle workout.
- A variety of exercises employing rotational movement of the torso are known for strengthening the oblique abdominal muscles. One of the most common and simplest exercises is the torso or waist twist. This exercise is performed upright with feet planted firmly on the ground, while the exerciser alternately contracts and relaxes the oblique muscles to twist the upper torso rotationally clockwise and counterclockwise. To increase the difficulty of the exercise, the exerciser may add mass to his/her upper torso, for example, by holding a weightlifting bar on his/her shoulders with arms outstretched along the bar, or by holding an exercise ball with arms outstretched. The addition of mass has the effect of increasing the rotational inertia of the exerciser, requiring more work to both start and stop the rotation. However, the momentum inherent in this exercise also prevents the exerciser from fully working the oblique muscles throughout the whole range of rotational motion, instead causing these muscles to primarily contract in short bursts at the start and stop of each motion while allowing the muscles to rest during the intermediate range of motion.
- In order to increase the work required throughout the rotational movement, exercise machines offering a continuous resistance have been used. For example, the exerciser may use a standard cable cross-over machine to provide weighted resistance throughout the motion by holding onto the cables. Additionally, other exercise machines exist where the exerciser holds his/her torso stationary and is forced to use the oblique muscles to rotate the lower body, for example, on a rotatable chair or surface connected to a weight or other resistance. However, such exercise machines often employ a number of complicated working parts requiring costly materials and that furthermore are prone to failure, thus necessitating routine maintenance. Additional drawbacks include the non-portability of many exercise machines, the large amount of floor space required for their operation, the sometimes unattractive appearance of their multiple linked components, and the limited functionality of some of these devices for working only a few isolated abdominal muscles.
- A multipurpose exercise device of portable construction, attachable to the feet of a user, is geometrically optimized with arcuate and planar surfaces to allow a user to effectively exercise the oblique abdominal muscle groups while also allowing an efficient transition into a multitude of abdominal exercises utilizing the same device.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a multipurpose exercise device. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the other side of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 shows a user in the bridge stance exercising the oblique abdominal muscles. -
FIG. 5 shows a user performing sit-ups.FIG. 6 shows a user performing abdominal leg raises. - Described herein is a multipurpose exercise device and method of using the device. The multipurpose exercise device of the present disclosure is of a low-cost, simple, and portable construction having an aesthetically pleasing design, and is geometrically optimized to allow a safe and effective workout of all of the major abdominal muscle groups when attached to the feet of a user. Furthermore, the combination of arcuate and flat surfaces on the device enables a user to efficiently transition from an oblique abdominal exercise to a core abdominal exercise with little or no hassle, and without the need for changing from one device to another.
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FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 are perspective views of embodiments of the present disclosure, andFIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiments described with reference toFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 .Device 10 has anarcuate surface 12 extending fromend region 13 toend region 15, and having a width (labeled inFIG. 3 ), enablingdevice 10 to sit stably along thearcuate surface 12 when set upon a ground surface. The width of thearcuate surface 12 can be in the range of about 8 to 24 inches, but is preferably in the range of about 10 to 16 inches. This width may remain substantially the same along thearcuate surface 12 fromend region 13 toend region 15, or, as shown inFIGS. 1-3 , may gradually decrease from the center of the device toward theend regions Arcuate surface 12 may comprise rubber, treads, or any other suitable materials or structures for increasing the frictional properties ofarcuate surface 12 such that it can adequately grip the ground and prevent sliding when performing the exercise described with reference toFIG. 4 .Surface 14 andsurface 16 extend radially from thearcuate surface 12 and may converge atregion 18 to define a body therein, or may not converge but rather meet with another surface (not shown), for example. The length of the body (labeled inFIG. 1 ), measured alongregion 18, may be in the range of about 16 to 36 inches, but is preferably in the range of about 26 to 32 inches. The body may either comprise a hollow internal space, or may be of a substantially solid construction throughout.Device 10 may comprise molded plastic, wood, metal, or any material durable enough to retain the integrity of thedevice 10 under normal conditions for its use. Althoughsurfaces device 10. -
FIG. 1 further shows an embodiment of the present disclosure for retaining the feet of a user in connection withdevice 10.Foot retaining structures 20 each comprise arecess 22 for receiving the sole of a foot,lip 24 for securing the toe of a foot oppositeheel end 28, and can includestraps 26 for providing extra support for retaining the top of a foot. Preferably, therecesses 22 should be sized such that a reasonable range of foot sizes may be securely retained byfoot retaining structures 20. For example, shoe sizes around 5-13 for men and around 5-12 for women could be retained bystructures 20.Straps 26 may comprise, for example, buckles, button snaps, Velcro, laces that can be tied together by the user, or any other known methods for securing the top of a foot. Theheel end 28 may either be recessed relative tosurface 14, or may gradually merge withsurface 14 to allow easy sliding of a foot down intorecesses 22. Furthermore, it may be appreciated that foot retaining structures could alternatively lackrecesses 22, but rather comprisestraps 26 andlip 24, wherein the sole of a foot would rest onsurface 14 andlip 24 would rise above the plane ofsurface 14 to accommodate insertion of the toe end of a foot. It may also be appreciated that any boot, shoe or foot retaining structures commonly used on skies, boards, or other sporting equipment could be used to retain a user's feet ondevice 10. -
FIG. 2 further shows an embodiment of the present disclosure for retaining weight in connection withdevice 10.Weight retaining structures pocket 34, containing a weightedmaterial 36.Opening 32 may be sealed off with a plug, cap or other mechanism (not shown).Weighted material 36 may comprise, for example, water or sand, wherein the weight added to apocket 34 will be a function of thelevel 38 of water or sand added to the pocket. In this way, a user can control the amount of weight retained by eachweight retaining structure exercise using device 10. Weighted material may also comprise, for example, a weight core made of metal that can be slid through an opening, such as opening 32, and secured in place into an appropriately sized recess or other receiving structure built on or in thedevice 10. Alternatively, weights such as dumbbells or weightlifting plates could be attached tosurface 16 or recesses formed insurface 16, for example, via straps, hooks, snaps, or other fastening structures. - Beyond controlling the overall weight of the device, the inertia that must be overcome by the user to perform the exercise described with reference to
FIG. 4 may also be controlled by providing multipleweight retaining structures device 10, while still allowing adjustment for other abdominal exercises to be performed. For example, adding weight with both or either of thestructures FIG. 4 , whereas taking away this weight and adding weight withonly structure 30B will decrease the difficulty while still increasing the amount of work required to perform the leg-raise exercise described with reference toFIG. 6 . Any number of combinations of adding or subtracting weight among theweight retaining structures exercise using device 10. Furthermore, it may be appreciated that any number of weight retaining structures may be provided indevice 10 as needed. Alternatively,device 10 may be manufactured having a specified weight and weight distribution customized for a particular application, with or without theweight retaining structures -
FIG. 4 shows a user in the bridge stance exercising the oblique abdominal muscles using an embodiment of the present disclosure. A bridge stance is performed by positioning the body generally parallel to the ground and supporting the weight of the body on the forearms and tips of the toes. By holding this static posture, the abdominal muscles as well as other muscles of the body are worked isometrically. However, when the user assumes a bridge stance with feet attached todevice 10, the user can then force rotation of the lower body with the oblique abdominal muscles through a dynamic range of motion betweenlocation 40 andlocation 42 ofdevice 10, such motion being guided and stabilized by thearcuate surface 12 of thedevice 10 in contact with the ground. In this way, the abdominal muscles will be worked both isometrically and isotonically in a safe and challenging manner. Furthermore, unlike non-machine based upright torso or waist twist exercises, the user may practically eliminate the issue of cheating via momentum. This can be done by simply slowing the rotational movement until reaching eitherlocation device 10. -
FIG. 5 shows a user performing sit-ups using an embodiment of the present disclosure. To efficiently transition from the exercise described with reference toFIG. 4 into the exercise ofFIG. 5 , the user may simply roll over with feet still attached. In this position,surface 16 lies flush with the ground to stabilize the position of the feet and legs of the user, wherein the weight of thedevice 10 functions as a counterweight to prevent the user's feet from lifting off the ground while performing the exercise. It may be appreciated that crunches or other abdominal exercises may be performed usingdevice 10 as a counterweight and stabilizer. -
FIG. 6 shows a user performing leg raises using an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the user may simply transition from doing the sit-up exercise ofFIG. 5 , for example, to weighted leg raises. This can be performed by laying flat on the ground and raising the legs upward with knees bent or legs straight and feet attached todevice 10. - One skilled in the art may appreciate that the exercises described in the present disclosure may be performed in any
order using device 10, and that further uses ofdevice 10 can be envisioned in combination with a wide variety of known exercises not specifically disclosed herein. Regardless of the order or combination of exercises performed,device 10 enables a series of movements to be performed that exercise the abdominal muscle group in a safe, effective, and efficient manner made possible by the optimized geometry of the device and other characteristics described in the present disclosure. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (23)
1. A multipurpose exercise device, comprising:
a body having an arcuate surface; and
foot attachment means in a first plane, wherein the first plane extends radially in the body from the arcuate surface.
2. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 1 , wherein the arcuate surface comprises a friction enhancing material.
3. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 2 , wherein the friction enhancing material comprises rubber.
4. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 1 , wherein a weight attachment means is in a second plane, and wherein the second plane extends radially in the body from the arcuate surface.
5. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 1 , wherein a cavity for receiving weight is in a second plane, and wherein the second plane extends radially in the body from the arcuate surface.
6. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 5 , wherein the weight comprises water.
7. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 5 , wherein the weight comprises sand.
8. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 1 , wherein the arcuate surface has a width in the range of about 8 to 24 inches.
9. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 1 , wherein the arcuate surface has a width in the range of about 10-16 inches.
10. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 1 , wherein the body has a length of about 16 to 36 inches.
11. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 1 , wherein the body has a length of about 26 to 32 inches.
12. A multipurpose exercise device, comprising:
a body with an arcuate side having an outer surface and an inner region defined by radially extending planes; and
a foot retaining structure configured to secure and attach feet to the inner region.
13. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 12 , wherein the inner region further comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion comprising the foot retaining structure, the second portion comprising a weight retaining structure configured to secure weight to the device.
14. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 13 , wherein the weight retaining structure comprises a cavity for receiving weight.
15. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 14 , wherein the weight comprises water.
16. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 14 , wherein the weight comprises sand.
17. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 12 , wherein the outer surface comprises a friction enhancing material.
18. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 17 , wherein the friction enhancing material comprises a rubber composite.
19. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 12 , wherein the outer surface has a width in the range of about 8 to 24 inches.
20. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 12 , wherein the outer surface has a width in the range of about 10-16 inches.
21. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 12 , wherein the body has a length of about 16 to 36 inches.
22. The multipurpose exercise device of claim 12 , wherein the body has a length of about 26 to 32 inches.
23. A multipurpose exercise device, comprising:
a body having an overall geometry defined by a wedge-shaped section of a spheroid; and
one or more recesses in the body shaped to receive feet of a user.
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US12/459,322 US8226533B2 (en) | 2008-06-30 | 2009-06-30 | Multipurpose exercise device |
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US13352408P | 2008-06-30 | 2008-06-30 | |
US12/459,322 US8226533B2 (en) | 2008-06-30 | 2009-06-30 | Multipurpose exercise device |
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Cited By (6)
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GB2480917A (en) * | 2010-06-02 | 2011-12-07 | John Frank Gozie Dike | Exercise apparatus |
ES2462521A1 (en) * | 2012-11-23 | 2014-05-23 | Universidad De Extremadura | Mechanical training simulator of collective acrobatics (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
CN105457229A (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2016-04-06 | 熊涛 | Sit-up belt for bed |
US20190076315A1 (en) * | 2017-09-13 | 2019-03-14 | The Well Effect Company | Stretching Device to Restore and Protect Against the Negative Effects of Prolonged Sitting |
US20210401656A1 (en) * | 2017-09-13 | 2021-12-30 | The Well Effect Company | Stretching Device to Restore and Protect Against the Negative Effects of Prolonged Sitting |
US11311444B2 (en) | 2017-09-13 | 2022-04-26 | We Ip, Llc | Assistive stretching device and method of use |
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US10183189B2 (en) * | 2014-12-22 | 2019-01-22 | The Lawton West Group Llc | Physical therapy devices and system for rehabilitation of limbs |
US9919194B2 (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2018-03-20 | Chad Jasmine | Contoured terrain-conforming stance guide with foot opening |
US11344767B1 (en) * | 2020-04-12 | 2022-05-31 | Christopher Alan Lagioia | Exercise apparatus |
US11752388B2 (en) * | 2020-08-13 | 2023-09-12 | Christopher Alan Lagioia | Exercise apparatus |
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Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2480917A (en) * | 2010-06-02 | 2011-12-07 | John Frank Gozie Dike | Exercise apparatus |
GB2514284A (en) * | 2010-06-02 | 2014-11-19 | John Frank Gozie Dike | Exercise apparatus |
GB2480917B (en) * | 2010-06-02 | 2014-12-10 | John Frank Gozie Dike | Exercise Apparatus Comprising a Weighted Spheroidal Main Part with Feet Receiving Recesses |
GB2514284B (en) * | 2010-06-02 | 2014-12-31 | John Frank Gozie Dike | Exercise apparatus comprising a weighted spheroidal main part with feet receiving recesses |
ES2462521A1 (en) * | 2012-11-23 | 2014-05-23 | Universidad De Extremadura | Mechanical training simulator of collective acrobatics (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
CN105457229A (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2016-04-06 | 熊涛 | Sit-up belt for bed |
US20190076315A1 (en) * | 2017-09-13 | 2019-03-14 | The Well Effect Company | Stretching Device to Restore and Protect Against the Negative Effects of Prolonged Sitting |
US10449104B2 (en) * | 2017-09-13 | 2019-10-22 | The Well Effect Company | Stretching device to restore and protect against the negative effects of prolonged sitting |
US11103409B2 (en) * | 2017-09-13 | 2021-08-31 | The Well Effect Company | Stretching device to restore and protect against the negative effects of prolonged sitting |
US20210401656A1 (en) * | 2017-09-13 | 2021-12-30 | The Well Effect Company | Stretching Device to Restore and Protect Against the Negative Effects of Prolonged Sitting |
US11311444B2 (en) | 2017-09-13 | 2022-04-26 | We Ip, Llc | Assistive stretching device and method of use |
US11850200B2 (en) * | 2017-09-13 | 2023-12-26 | The Well Effect Company | Stretching device to restore and protect against the negative effects of prolonged sitting |
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